Departmental Honors in Earth Sciences

The Earth Sciences Departmental Honors Program aims to encourage analytical and critical thinking and to provide motivated and focused undergraduates with the opportunity to develop research and communication skills in preparation for graduate or professional careers.

To be admitted to the program, a student must:

1. Be at least a rising junior (i.e., be classified as a junior during the following full semester).
2. Be a Geography, Geology, or Meteorology major.
3. Maintain a 3.5 GPA overall (as required by the university).
4. Identify a faculty member and have them agree to serve as your mentor.
5. Complete the Earth Sciences Honors Program application.

To be awarded Departmental Honors in Earth Sciences, students must:

1. Complete a minimum of 3 credit hours and no more than 6 credit hours of the ES 499 Honors Research in Earth Sciences.
2. Achieve and maintain a minimum overall institutional GPA of 3.5.
3. Complete an approved written research thesis.
4. Successfully present an oral defense before a faculty committee, which includes the faculty advisor, two other members, and an Honors College Advisory Council representative.
5. Recommended: Complete a poster presentation at a national, regional, or local research forum.

In addition, students must remain good citizens of the College and University. Being a "good citizen of the College and University" is defined as:

1. Adhering to all student conduct standards outlined in The Lowdown and following the adjudication process specified therein.
2. Avoiding criminal and harmful actions that could harm the reputation of the Department of Earth Sciences and the University.

Note:

1. One need not be receiving University Honors to obtain Departmental Honors in Earth Sciences.
2. A certificate will be given to the student indicating they have earned "Departmental Honors in Earth Sciences”.
3. The designation will appear on a student’s transcript as Departmental Honors in Earth Sciences.